Assisted Embryo Hatching- Dr Akash Sharma

In its preliminary development stages, the embryo is covered by zona pellucida- a thin layer of proteins. When the cells start to divide, it hatches out of the zona pellucida and attaches to the inner walls of uterus. This is known as fertilization.

But sometimes embryos are unable to penetrate this layer. Therefore Assisted Embryo Hatching technique is used. This is a lab procedure in which embryologist creates a small hole in zona pellucida with the help of micromanipulation under a microscope. This is performed on the fourth day of embryo development with the embryo containing six to eight cells.

Embryo stabilization is done through a small pipette containing an acidic liquid which creates small defect in the zona pellucida. Then excess acid is removed by rinsing the embryo and returning back to incubator for incubating it for some more hours before implantation into uterus.

Assisted Hatching is helpful for those couples who have poor prognosis and embryos lacking enough power to hatch the zona pellucida. Women with advanced age (more than 35), recurring IVF failures, poor embryo quality, etc can be prescribed by IVF expert.

There is risk of damage to the embryo and blastomeres and risk of monozygotic twins associated with assisted hatching.

Being a very minute, delicate and difficult procedure, it should be performed by experienced and expert embryologist. http://www.drakashsharma.com